Lottery undermines merit: School admission tests from next year, Milon says

The government has decided to withdraw the lottery system used in school admissions, and introduce a system based on admission tests, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said today.

“Lottery cannot exist in any education system. We have withdrawn the lottery system,” he said at a press conference at the education ministry this afternoon, adding that the decision was taken after discussions with stakeholders.

Noting that the ministry reviewed the issue over the past one month, he added, “Lottery does not allow proper evaluation of merit.”

The minister said the government does not intend to introduce a highly competitive admission test for young children.

“We will not introduce any examination that is inappropriate for the students of class one. The process will be simple,” added Milon.

He said the new system would initially involve a basic test, and if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, additional mechanisms may be introduced.

Responding to concerns about coaching and private tutoring, the minister said the government would ensure that the new system does not encourage such practices.

He also said the decision followed extensive discussions with stakeholders and internal research by the ministry.

“Our research did not begin today. We have been working on this issue for a long time,” he said.

He said the new admission system is expected to be introduced from next year.